Parenting Matters(from doodling to discipline)

The bees are buzzing and the butterflies are just caterpillars. It's that lovely in between time when Summer hasn't quite arrived but Spring has sprung. It is one of our favorite times of the year full of life and new beginnings. It's also a great time for preparing your children for playing outdoors by teaching them some safety precautions. In fact, you can turn teaching into triumph by having a competition to see who can memorize the guidelines and recite them back to you in one week. Have a small prize for each person who can say them all. It's a great time to gift them with a few outdoor play items from your local dollar store like sidewalk chalk and jump ropes. These rules are sure to keep them safe all summer long!

My parents love me and they will help me if I feel troubled.

I can tell my parents anything because they will keep me safe.

The two homes I can go to if I feel troubled and I'm too far away from home are Mr. & Mrs. (Speak to two of your neighbors to set this up ahead of time. We call them "safe houses" Ask neighbors that are usually home and can be trusted if your child can run there in case of an emergency.)

When I leave the house, I will always tell my parents who I am with and where I am going.

I will make sure I have a way to communicate with my parents by memorizing my phone number and/or taking a cell phone or walky talkie with me.

While at my friends, I will not look at their cell phones or computers without asking my parents first. (Exposure to pornographic materials through electronics from 5 yrs to 13 yrs is skyrocketing and it's usually with someone they know.)

I will never talk to strangers who approach me at any time.

I will never go with a stranger anywhere no matter what they say.

If a stranger tries to grab me I will quickly run away and yell "This is not my mommy!" This is not my daddy!" (This is what child safety recommends versus yelling for help.)

I will always tell my parents if someone tries to grab me or touch me in a way that is not appropriate.

I won't keep secrets from my parents if something happens at a friends house or while I'm away from home.